Performance of the education professionals concerning the school inclusion of the student with intelectual disability

Abstract

This research investigated how regular teachers and school-unit supervisors have behaved in relation to students with intellectual deficiencies, having in view the addition of an assistant teacher in the classroom. The theoretical fundaments were based both on specialized literature as well as documented research regarding the Brazilian legislation and official publications on Special Education. The field research followed the qualitative approach, and had as subjects 10 school supervisors and 16 regular teachers from the first years in Elementary School at the Public Municipal Network from the town União da Vitória - Paraná State. For the data collection the subjects answered questionnaires and 30% of the supervisors and 31.25% of the teachers were interviewed. The answers were categorized as: meaning of school inclusion; concept of intellectual deficiency, and educational aims in relation to the intellectually deficient student; facilities and difficulties involving the inclusion of such students in the regular schools; and conditions for the support to the inclusion. After the data was analyzed it was verified that: the assistants are requested the Municipal Board of Education by the schools; 88.46% of the subjects in this research give directions to the assistants. 69.23% feel partially prepared and 23.07% feel prepared for such a position. Teachers consider that students with intellectual deficiency present a greater necessity of support in the academic area. Both, supervisors and teachers consider that the support of an assistant teacher in the classroom reflects positively in the academic and social development of the students, evidencing safeguards in relation to the development of the autonomy. The subjects questioned the profile and educational background of the assistants and suggested continuing education for such professionals as well as for themselves.